Glucomannan, in its natural form, is a soluble fiber that expands in the stomach and absorbs water. It makes you feel fuller and reduce your appetite.
The weight loss benefits of glucomannan are mainly due to the expandable nature of this dietary fiber, which increases feelings of satiety (fullness). There have been studies that have shown these benefits. One study found that people who took 3g of glucomannan per day felt less hungry and ate less than those who did not take fiber.
When you eat something heavy, you want to make sure that it is digested as quickly as possible. This is why glutinous foods like rice or pasta are popular in the West. If a person eats a diet that includes these foods and they are constantly feeling hungry or they can’t lose weight, they may have a gluten allergy which makes it difficult for them to digest the gluten protein in these heavier foods. This is where glucomannan comes in!
It expands in your stomach, absorbs water, and makes you feel fuller for up to 4 hours – all without any calories! In Japan, they use glucomannan to help with constipation. In Europe, it is used as a dietary fiber supplement because it absorbs water and releases the bulk of its content in your stomach. Glucomannan has also been prescribed for people with diabetes and those who are unable to swallow or have difficulty digesting certain foods that contain cellulose like nuts or beans.
Glucomannan is classified as a dietary fiber, meaning it is not absorbed by the body and acts like bulk. It is a water-soluble fiber that can absorb 16 times its weight in water. This fiber has been recommended for people who struggle with constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The most common benefits are relieved constipation and reduced appetite.
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